WHEREAS, Probation professionals play a unique and essential role in our justice system and communities. Through transformative and evidence-based rehabilitation, probation helps justice-involved individuals transition out of the system permanently and onto a healthier and safer life path; and

WHEREAS, Probation departments are a connector in the justice systems and work to maximize the resources available within the courts, local governments, law enforcement, social services, behavioral health system, schools, crime survivor organizations, nonprofits and the community. Their work balances the need for accountability with the opportunity for justice-involved individuals to engage in rehabilitative treatment and services, providing them the support and opportunity to change their lives; and

WHEREAS, Probation officers are trained experts prepared to manage trauma and other needs of system-involved individuals and safely connect them to the supports they need to successfully transition back to our communities; and

WHEREAS, Probation departments in California support policies that further this focus and apply an equity lens to ensure these policies effectively address the diverse needs of those they serve; and

WHEREAS, Probation departments have a profound impact on the safety and health of our communities by working to tackle the underlying causes of crime and reduce recidivism. Their success fosters a safer environment for all Californians to live and prosper; now, therefore, be it